Identification of 2,2′,4,5,5′-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB101) metabolites and their transmission characteristics in silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2022-08, Vol.307, p.119583-119583, Article 119583
• Main Authors: Wang, Shuai, Wang, Meng-Yuan, Shi, Yong-Fu, Han, Feng, Ye, Hong-Li, Cai, You-Qiong, Wu, Di, Tian, Liang-Liang, Zhang, Xuan, Tang, Yun-Yu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: GC-MS/MS; Identification; Metabolite; PCB101; Transfer characteristics
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119583

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been attracting global concern due to their persistence and toxicity. However, the study on the metabolites of PCBs in freshwater fish is limited. In this study, the metabolites of 2,2′,4,5,5′-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB101) in silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) were identified for the first time. After intraperitoneal injection of PCB101 (2 mg/kg), the results showed that it could be metabolized to at least three types of metabolites, including hydroxylated (OH-), methoxylated (MeO-) and methyl sulfonated (MeSO2-) PCB101. The OH- metabolites identified in most tissues were 3-OH-PCB101and 4-OH-PCB101, such as liver, gallbladder, blood and muscle. MeSO2- metabolites identified in gallbladder, blood and brain were 3-MeSO2-PCB101 and 4-MeSO2-PCB101. Meanwhile, the MeO- metabolite identified in liver, gallbladder, blood and spleen of silver crucian carp was 4-MeO-PCB101. The investigation of the types and structures of PCB101 and its metabolites, as well as the tissue distribution and accumulation characteristics in silver crucian carp are beneficial to understand the transformation and metabolic mechanisms of PCBs in aquatic organisms. It is of great significance to identify potential pollution hazards of precursor compounds and their metabolites on aquatic products and ensure the quality and safety of aquatic products. [Display omitted] •PCB101 can be transformed to at least three types of metabolites in silver crucian carp.•OH- metabolites have high degree of tissue-specific accumulation in the gallbladder.•For the first time, 4-MeO-PCB101 was discovered as a metabolite in freshwater fish.•Consumption of fish may be a route of human exposure to OH-PCBs.